Published: Sunday, August 31, 2008 at 3:40 p.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, August 31, 2008 at 3:40 p.m.

With all manner of "rifle oriented" game seasons just over the horizon in the months of October and November, now is the time to be preparing for your upcoming fall hunts.

Whether you're chasing bears, wild boar, whitetails or even smaller game like squirrels, there's no better time than the present to make sure you and your gun are ready to work together for success in the upcoming seasons.

With all the normal hunting gear to pull out of the hunting closet, organize, sort, and repair - everything from camouflage clothing to camping equipment - somehow we often manage to overlook this important aspect of preparation.

How often have you gone on a hunt with a rifle that's been sitting in the gun safe or closet collecting dust since the prior hunting season? In an ideal world, the scope on that rifle would still be dialed in from last season and your aim would still be just as true, but we all know that isn't how it really works. So why chance missing that trophy of a lifetime during the upcoming season?

A trip to the range will definitely help more of your bullets hit their mark; everyone can benefit from a little target practice.

But, what about the human error factor when you're filled with excitement by the prey in your scope or inclement weather blowing into your face?

Knowing how both you and your firearm react in a variety of conditions will do more to prepare you for hitting the bull's eye when it really matters.

With this goal in mind, I have been planning "practice sessions" for myself by going afield for two often overlooked species - coyotes and groundhogs.

Having live game in my sights during various weather, lighting and emotional conditions will hopefully make my shooting more consistent in the fall.

Both species, which are often thought of as nuisances and have become quite prolific over the last few years, have no closed hunting seasons in North Carolina. Therefore, they offer hunters excellent opportunities to get outdoors during what's typically considered the "off season" and use their rifles in real scenarios to take game.

I sat in a field just the other morning, the darkness of night transforming into shades of grey, as the outline of a coyote appeared in the distance. Given the lighting conditions and the range, I knew I was outmatched for the shot and didn't take it.

Although I didn't succeed in making a shot, I came away from the experience with more knowledge about the scope on my rifle, and how much my hands shook from the excitement of seeing my prey.

Sometimes the untaken shots teach you just as much as the ones taken.

So if you're looking to get your rifle shot tuned up in the field, give coyotes or groundhogs a try.

You're apt to be on target for the upcoming rifle seasons, and who knows, you might even find a new passion for pursuing varmints year-round in North Carolina.

<p>With all manner of "rifle oriented" game seasons just over the horizon in the months of October and November, now is the time to be preparing for your upcoming fall hunts.</p><p>Whether you're chasing bears, wild boar, whitetails or even smaller game like squirrels, there's no better time than the present to make sure you and your gun are ready to work together for success in the upcoming seasons.</p><p>With all the normal hunting gear to pull out of the hunting closet, organize, sort, and repair - everything from camouflage clothing to camping equipment - somehow we often manage to overlook this important aspect of preparation.</p><p>How often have you gone on a hunt with a rifle that's been sitting in the gun safe or closet collecting dust since the prior hunting season? In an ideal world, the scope on that rifle would still be dialed in from last season and your aim would still be just as true, but we all know that isn't how it really works. So why chance missing that trophy of a lifetime during the upcoming season?</p><p>A trip to the range will definitely help more of your bullets hit their mark; everyone can benefit from a little target practice.</p><p>But, what about the human error factor when you're filled with excitement by the prey in your scope or inclement weather blowing into your face?</p><p>Knowing how both you and your firearm react in a variety of conditions will do more to prepare you for hitting the bull's eye when it really matters.</p><p>With this goal in mind, I have been planning "practice sessions" for myself by going afield for two often overlooked species - coyotes and groundhogs.</p><p>Having live game in my sights during various weather, lighting and emotional conditions will hopefully make my shooting more consistent in the fall.</p><p>Both species, which are often thought of as nuisances and have become quite prolific over the last few years, have no closed hunting seasons in North Carolina. Therefore, they offer hunters excellent opportunities to get outdoors during what's typically considered the "off season" and use their rifles in real scenarios to take game.</p><p>I sat in a field just the other morning, the darkness of night transforming into shades of grey, as the outline of a coyote appeared in the distance. Given the lighting conditions and the range, I knew I was outmatched for the shot and didn't take it.</p><p>Although I didn't succeed in making a shot, I came away from the experience with more knowledge about the scope on my rifle, and how much my hands shook from the excitement of seeing my prey.</p><p>Sometimes the untaken shots teach you just as much as the ones taken.</p><p>So if you're looking to get your rifle shot tuned up in the field, give coyotes or groundhogs a try.</p><p>You're apt to be on target for the upcoming rifle seasons, and who knows, you might even find a new passion for pursuing varmints year-round in North Carolina.</p><p>And that's my holler for this week.</p>